Thursday, April 25, 2013

Nick Fowler instructs future arborists at LBCC



Lia Clark a student at LBCC and Nick Fowler the instructor teaching the proper climbing technique during the tree climbing practicum in the White Oak grove on the west side of the tennis courts at LBCC on April 11, 2013. 

            Dont you miss being a kid and playing outside? Do you remember running around in the park, getting dirty and climbing trees? Remember being completely fearless and invincible? Asking yourself why can’t I just climb trees for the rest of my life.
            Well Nick Fowler an Agriculture and Arboriculture instructor is making it possible for you to do just that. Arboriculture, simply put is the study of trees. Fowler instructs a tree climbing practicum for Future arborists like Maia Kazaks an Arboriculture major who  But also he instructs students like Lia Clark who simply enjoy the outdoors and chose to take this class because it looked interesting.

             Fowler's Arboriculture: Principles and Practices class teaches you about all aspects of arboriculture as well. The class will teach you how to plant, train, protect, fertilize and provide ongoing care for trees in urban and wild landscapes.
            The majority of these tasks require you to be in the tree while performing them. So the act of tree climbing is very necessary for being and arborist. Kazaks admits “I want to climb trees for a living, what better way to make a living?” But according to instructor Nick Fowler, “you don’t only have to know how to climb trees effectively, but safely as well.” That is why this class provides complete preparation for the ISA (International Society of Arborists) Certified Arborists and Tree Worker Certification exams.
            This class also provides the introduction to a recreational sport that is on the rise especially here in the northwest. Competitive tree climbing, Similar to rock climbing, tree climbing is a fun and adventurous way to enjoy the outdoors.
            The big difference between rock and tree climbing is the fact that rock climbers use the dynamic Method of climbing. It’s called this because of the type of rope they use, dynamic. Dynamic ropes have more give and allow you to move around a little more when climbing a rock face.
            Tree climbers on the other hand use the static Method of climbing which is also named because of the type of rope used. Static ropes are the opposite of dynamic ropes essentially, they do not give and they are much thicker. More importantly they do not slip when pulled tight against each other, and this is very important, because unlike rock climbing your weight is primarily in the harness, or “saddle”.
            The ropes must be able to support your weight without slipping. It seemed to be easier for the girls in the class. When holding your own weight suspended in the air, less is better. The girls zoomed up the trees leaving all the guys behind.
To see more pictures check out my blog.

At A Glance
Class: Arboriculture: Principles and Practices(offered only in spring term)
Instructor: Nick Fowler  fowlern@linnbenton.edu. by phone 541-917-4770
When: Thursdays 2:00pm-4:30pm.
Where: LBCC's White Oak grove on the west side of the tennis courts.


Monday, April 22, 2013

Tree Climbing practicum (photos)

Maia Kazaks/Arboriculture student and Lia Clark/LBCC student.

Nick fowler/instructor and Lia Clark/LBCC student.

The sling shot to get the first rope over the branch. 


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Nick Fowler and his tree climbing practicum

Gavin Seaders/Horticulture student/part time Arborist for Staker Forests
ready to climb a tree 

 Maia Kazaks/arboriculture student 


 Lia Clark/LBCC student Firing her rope over the branch with what arborists call the "Big-Shot"
 Nick Fowler/Arboriculture Instructor and Lia Clark/ LBCC student

 Lia Clark/LBCC student and Nick fowler/Arboriculture Instructor


 Maia Kazaks/Arboriculture student and Lia Clark/LBCC student

 Nick Fowler/Arboriculture Instructor and students at the tree climbing practicum
 Maia Kazaks/ Arboriculture student switching ropes
 "Saddles" and helmets
the sling shot or "Little Shot"

LBCC Career Fair 2013

Anthony Hammer a Mechatronics major is displaying his final project from winter term of 2013

If you were an LBCC student or just a member of the local community looking for part-time or full-time work, then the 35th annual LBCC Career Fair was the place for you.

There were 60 employers registered for the LBCC Career Fair last Thursday April 11, 2013. 50 of which were hiring. There were 22 new employers in attendance, but there were also 10 employers who have returned for at least 10 years and 10 others who have now returned for at least 5 years.

That tells the future employees only one thing. Although there were only 800 potential employees in attendance. This is down from 1400 from last year but, there were just about the same amount of employers hiring. It's obvious that less people need jobs and employers still need more employees.

One employer in particular Larry Rogers, the market Manager of BiCostal Media said "When we go to hire we usually end up contacting and hiring someone we met here, at the fair."

Quite the range of jobs available as well. There were job openings ranging from part time work as a parking lot attendant for the Beavers football games, all the way to a refrigeration mechanic for Mountain House Freeze Dry Foods, "the largest dry foods company on the planet", the representative immediately pointed out.

Even the Oregon Lottery had a booth a various job opportunities in their marketing and distribution departments.

Also in distributing there were job openings at Lowes and Home Depot. As well there were representatives from Work Source Oregon which is a job placement agency, that matches employees to employers. Work Source Oregon has returned for more than 10 years now.

Nine LBCC programs also attended this year. Four of them were there to demonstrate finished products and discuss career opportunities and program requirements.

The other five attended to provide information on admission, financial aid, student employment, apprenticeships, and support services for student success.

All in all the employers were very pleased with the turn out. Comments from the employers after the fair included these."There were less people but candidates were better qualified; solid potential." And "great event; enjoyed being here." 



More LBCC Career Fair 2013 (photos)

 Anthony Hammer/Mechatronics student 

Lookout RoadRunner coming through!


 Paula Jones/Oregon Department of Forestry

 Welding projects completed by LBCC students

 Diesel engine on display at LBCC's Heavy equipment booth
 New larger shop facility in lebanon for LBCC students coming soon 


  Janeen Philips/Career & Employment Specialist conversing with local radio talk show host

Larry Rogers/Market Manager Bicoastal Media



 Mountain House Representative/ Largest freeze dry food company on the planet
 Our own Charles Madriaga/ LBCC counselor at student info booth


LBCC Career Fair 2013 (photos)


Diesel engine on display for the heavy equipment and transportation dept.
Anthony Hammer, a mechatronics student displaying his final project.

LBCC's 35th annual Career Fair April 11, 2013.
800 in attendance and 60 different businesses.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

First time in the green house at LBCC

 Getting plants ready for The Mothers Day Plant Sale
 Tasha Hoerauf/Horticulture student
Grooming plants for the sale